Compressiceps Cichlid
Altolamprologus compressiceps
Cichlidae
About
The compressiceps cichlid is a strikingly slab-sided, rock-dwelling predator from Lake Tanganyika, its extremely narrow body and armoured scales letting it slip into tight crevices to pluck out shrimp and fry. Slow and deliberate rather than boisterous, it hangs almost motionless near the rockwork before striking with a large, extensible mouth. It is best kept as a bonded pair in a hard, alkaline, rock-scaped tank of its own.
Care
Provide a mature tank of 200 L or more with hard, alkaline water (pH 8-9) and generous piled rockwork for cover and ambush points. Keep as a single pair; slow and stealthy, so never house it with shrimp or fish small enough to be swallowed.
Diet
Specialist carnivore that ambushes shrimp, crustaceans and small fish among rocks. Feed varied meaty frozen and live foods plus carnivore pellets; avoid feeder fish.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (2)
Possible with care (59)
Avoid (60)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.